Leadership Race Concludes
Quebecers will find out Sunday who will become their next premier after the Coalition Avenir Québec counts the votes in a race to replace the only leader the party has ever had. Christine Fréchette, a former economy minister, and Bernard Drainville, an ex-environment minister, threw their names in the hat after outgoing Premier François Legault announced in January he was stepping down.
Fréchette focused her campaign on economic issues, while also saying she was open to allowing more permanent residents in Quebec. Drainville leaned on conservative ideas while positioning himself as the candidate best suited to defend Quebec’s identity and to adopt a stricter immigration policy.
The winner will have their work cut out for them as the latest public opinion polls show the governing party trailing far behind the Parti Québécois and Quebec Liberals. This marks the first time the CAQ will have a new leader, and the decision could set a precedent for the party's future direction.
The outcome of this leadership race is significant, as it will not only determine the next premier of Quebec but also potentially impact the province's relationships with the rest of Canada. With about 20,500 CAQ members eligible to cast a vote, the new leader will face the challenge of regaining public support for the party.
Original reporting by Global News.
